NOTE

II.378.1

NOTE, Diplomatic. In diplomatic language the written communication which takes place between accredited agents of different powers is called note. The different kinds of notes are distinguished as follows: The official note, ordinarily signed by an ambassador, a minister plenipotentiary, a chargé d'affaires; in a word, by the diplomatic agent. The verbal note, not signed, either because the diplomatic agent does not wish to assume responsibility in a definitive way, or because there is need simply to recall the essential points of a political conversation upon questions which have been treated viva voce. The secret note, which has been introduced into diplomatic usage to furnish a more complete understanding of the state of affairs and the probabilities of their solution, outside of the official correspondence.

The cuneiform inscription in the Liberty Fund logo is the earliest-known written appearance of the word "freedom" (amagi), or "liberty." It is taken from a clay document written about 2300 B.C. in the Sumerian city-state of Lagash.